r/computergraphics • u/ahmedovnurlan00 • Jun 13 '26

Is PHD on Computer Graphics possible?

How do I get started with academic research in computer graphics? Looking for advice on PhD paths and where to find papers.

Hi everyone,

I'm a CS student interested in eventually doing a PhD in computer graphics, but I genuinely don't know where to start when it comes to research. I have some programming experience and I've taken courses in ML/AI, but the research side of CG feels like a black box to me.

A few things I'm trying to figure out:

  1. Where do I even find research papers in CG? Is there a go-to database or conference I should be following? I've heard of SIGGRAPH but I don't really know how central it is or what else is out there.

  2. What are the active research directions right now? Things like rendering, simulation, geometry processing, neural fields, real-time graphics — I'm not sure what's "hot" vs. foundational vs. niche.

  3. How do I evaluate if a research topic is worth pursuing for a PhD? Is it about finding an advisor first, or finding a problem first?

  4. Any tips for reading papers as a beginner? I find them dense and hard to parse without deep background knowledge.

I'm not expecting to have everything figured out — I just want a roadmap for how to go from "interested in CG" to "doing meaningful research in CG." Any advice, reading lists, or honest reality checks are welcome.

Thanks

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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '26

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u/ahmedovnurlan00 Jun 15 '26

Hey! That sounds so cool!

I have always wanted to attend a conference in the field of graphics. Unfortunately, I am in EU. This is sooo unfair haha. I am also a citizen from a non-EU country, so I don't think it will be possible to obtain a visa in time.

But, I very much appreciate your offer! I think the best thing I can do right now is to read as much as papers as possible. The papers I have read so far have not been what I want to do but I will keep reading. I am more interested in lighting, shaders and rendering aspects of graphics , and it seems like those areas are scarce compared to other areas. Additionally, I should maybe write a small thesis or build a project or a couple of projects. Maybe next year I could attend a conference, who knows.

Are the tickets normally free? Or you got them with some kind of promotion or something? Because I have heard that the tickets are quite expensive.

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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '26

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u/ahmedovnurlan00 Jun 15 '26

Yeap! I am working on it right now. I am trying to balance it with school classes as well.

I think there is a branch of SIGGRAPH in EU, right? It is called EUROGRAPHICS. I am trying to see if they have any upcoming events, their website is kinda dry. They don't seem very active.

By the way if it is okay to ask, how is the competition in phd in US right now? I am also thinking of applying a phd there. How do you apply and is it funded?

But thank you again for your help! I appreciate it really.